Some concepts on the productivity of tropical seas

Abstract

The paper gives a critical review of the different environmental factors which may
be responsible for the differences in the productivity of the lower and higher latitudes.
The various factors which contribute to the low productivity in the tropical and subtropical
seas as compared with the temperate and polar seas are analysed. The reasons for
limited high productivity zones in the coastal waters of the tropical and subtropical
regions are explained as due to upwelling in coastal waters and divergence in offshore
waters. The need for intense exploration and location of high productivity zones in the
typically tropical and seasonal 'Monsoon type' of upwelling in the seas bordering India
is emphasised as also the adoption of modern craft and gear to exploit the seafood
resources.